Black and red salve products

Black and red salve products may be sold to consumers as Cansema, bloodroot salve or bloodroot products. They are typically sold as an alternative topical therapy to treat skin cancer. There is no credible scientific evidence to support the use of black or red salves to treat any medical condition, including cancer.

The salve products are made from bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), which contains sanguinarine. Sanguinarine is listed in Schedule 10 of the Poisons Standard. Schedule 10 substances pose such a danger to public health that they are prohibited from sale, supply and use in Australia.

Black salve and red salve products have not been evaluated by the TGA for safety, quality and effectiveness.

Risks of black and red salve products

Black and red salve products have been associated with a number of adverse outcomes, including burns to skin and underlying healthy tissue, causing serious injury and significant scarring. The extent of the damage can be unpredictable.

Possible side effects include:

• pain
• burns
• scarring
• open sores and ulcers
• swelling
• infection
• delayed diagnosis or treatment of serious conditions, such as cancer.

Information for consumers

Do not use black or red salves to treat cancer or any other medical condition.

If you have used one of these products:

• stop using it
• seek medical advice
• report a suspected adverse event or safety problem to the TGA.

If you are concerned about a spot or lesion on your skin, seek advice from a qualified health practitioner. Do not use black or red salves.

Regulatory information for suppliers and sellers

In Australia, therapeutic goods must be entered in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) before they can be lawfully imported, manufactured, supplied, exported or advertised, unless an exemption or approval applies.

There are no black or red salve products entered in the ARTG.

People and businesses that import, supply, manufacture, export or advertise therapeutic goods must understand and comply with their legal obligations. Significant penalties may apply for unlawful importation, advertising, manufacture and supply of therapeutic products.

Report suspected unlawful activity

You can help by reporting suspected adverse events and possible breaches of the law.

To report a suspected adverse event, see report an adverse event or safety problem.

If you suspect unlawful advertising, importation, manufacture or supply of black or red salve products, report a perceived breach or questionable practice.